DUBAI: After three straight games on the road, Dubai Basketball made it a homecoming to remember as they stormed to a 91-76 victory against Slovenia’s Krka in front of an energized crowd that included Sunday’s Race to Dubai champion Rory McIlroy.

It was the first time in a month fans could watch their team in action at Coca-Cola Arena and the hosts put on an impressive performance to bounce back from last week’s defeat and improve their ABA League record to 7-2.

The Dubai Basketball team was welcomed by more than 3,300 spectators, including Rory McIlroy — one of the greatest golfers of all time and an avid basketball fan. The five-time Ryder Cup winner and four-time major champion put it an appearance just hours after triumphing at the DP World Tour Championship and landing his sixth Race to Dubai title at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

McIlroy also took part in a full-court “Putt for Purpose” challenge, bidding to donate 1 million dirhams ($272,258) to charity for a hole-in-one, but missed out by just a few inches.

The hosts started slowly, finding themselves 7-3 down, but soon found their rhythm to level the score at nine apiece, thanks to Danilo Andusic’s three-pointer. Elevated by the passionate home support, Dubai continued their momentum with Isaiah Taylor’s jump shot and a two-pointer from JaCorey Williams helping the team take a 21-15 lead before they closed out the first quarter at 24-23.

In the second quarter, the noise went up a notch when Filipino Thirdy Ravena took to the court. He was almost on the scoresheet within seconds, his driving layup sadly hitting the arc.

Dubai picked up where they left off in the second half, taking a healthy 13-point advantage into the final quarter at 70-57. From there it was one-way traffic as Klemen Prepelic, Nate Mason and Williams were among the scorers sealing the victory. Andusic ended with a game-high of 18 while Leon Radosevic hit eight rebounds.

Williams said the home support had spurred the team on and added he cherished the opportunity of meeting McIlroy, who had brought along the Race to Dubai trophy.

He said: “We knew it was going to be a difficult game, especially ahead of a break. It’s always hard to play these types of games. But we did a good job of staying locked in defensively. I think when we lead with our defense, our offense just flows. First half, we had some turnovers. They scored a lot of threes on transition from the turnovers. In the second half, we corrected that mistake and kept the defense at a high level and we got the big win.”

He added: “Rory is a very high-level player in his sport and much respect to him. We’re in Dubai so we see all kinds of people, it was good to see him though. I got to hold a trophy and I’ve never seen a trophy like that in real life. It was kind of cool … and heavy, too.”

Off court, cheerleaders from Sharmila Dance Center took the spotlight, dazzling the crowd with jaw-dropping dance moves that brought fans to their feet with non-stop cheers. The performers captured everyone’s attention, turning the halftime break into a spectacular display of talent.

Global Village, one of Dubai’s top attractions, brought along a selection of its roaming artists, making the evening even more memorable.

With no ABA League games scheduled next week, Dubai Basketball return to on-court action in Serbia on Nov. 29, when they face FMP. Their next game at Coca-Cola Arena is against Mornar Bar on Dec. 15.

RIO DE JANEIRO: Lionel Messi’s Argentina will be on the verge of confirming a 2026 World Cup spot if they beat Peru in Buenos Aires in South American qualifying on Tuesday.

Victory would give defending champions Argentina 25 points from 12 matches, historically good enough for at least sixth place in the 10-team standings. South America have six entries into the World Cup.

But Argentina will be without five injured players after losing to Paraguay 2-1 last Thursday when they host Peru, who are second to last.

Meanwhile, Brazil and Uruguay will meet in Salvador, and both coaches expect to finish the year better than they started.

Dorival Junior, in charge of Brazil since January and still struggling to convince fans he’s the right choice, could move to second place with a win.

Marcelo Bielsa, who was recently under fire by Uruguay great Luis Suarez, will seek to add at least one point to the team’s tally to prove Friday’s last minute 3-2 victory against Colombia was no fluke.

Uruguay and Colombia are three points behind Argentina. Brazil are fourth. Ecuador are a point behind in fifth.

Argentina’s defense

Argentina left behind defenders Lisandro Martinez and German Pezzella when they traveled to Paraguay. Another three were injured out of the home match against Peru: Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico. The trio started against Paraguay.

Argentina left a poor image against Paraguay in Asuncion from their third loss in qualifying. Veteran Messi had a quiet performance, and strikers Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez were no better. Observers wondered whether the team’s magic was running out.

“I don’t know whether (rival coaches) they found an antidote (to Argentina),” coach Luis Scaloni said. “We hope to go back on a positive patch.”

Scalopni is expected to field Gonzalo Montiel in Molina’s place; Leonardo Balerdi in Romero’s; and Facundo Medina replacing Tagliafico.

Derby

Brazil summoned right back Danilo in the only change to the team that drew with Venezuela 1-1 on Thursday. Danilo replaced Vanderson, who was suspended. Dorival Junior was already under pressure to bring in the experienced right back and avoid testing too many new players.

Brazil’s unimpressive form this year has caused many fans to openly say they won’t be watching the national team until performances improve. But that narrative has prompted a plea from captain Marquinhos.

“I am asking you not to abandon the national team. Don’t leave us, no,” he said in a news conference. “This is my third cycle here, I can say 100 percent sure that everyone here has pride, faith and hope. And dignity. We are living this moment as if it was the last in our life. Unique.”

Brazil have lost four matches in qualifying and won some others in unconvincing fashion. Plus, their biggest available star, Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, has so far not delivered a good performance.

Uruguay’s Nahitan Nández and Santiago Bueno are not playing in Salvador but Bielsa has yet to say who will replace them.

Many Uruguay players also need to be extra careful on Tuesday so they don’t miss the following clash against Argentina in March. Manuel Ugarte, Jose Maria Gimenez, Brian Rodriguez, Darwin Nuñez, Nicolas Fonseca, Rodrigo Bentancur and Rodrigo Aguirre will be out if they get a second yellow.